E-Series gets 50th anniversary special edition

The E-Series is celebrating 50 years and to mark the occasion Ford is launching a commemorative 50th anniversary edition. It has been America’s best-selling full-size van for 31 straight years and for 2011 it has been enhanced with state-of-the-art technologies at Ford’s Ohio Assembly Plant in Avon Lake.

The commemorative edition features unique blue metallic exterior paint, specially embroidered “Econoline” front seatbacks and unique “Econoline 50 Years” badging on the left-rear cargo door.

“Ford has maintained its level of success for E-Series by continually monitoring its customers’ needs and maintaining a high level of quality,” said Craig Ruggirello, assistant marketing manager for E-Series.

E-Series History

The history of the E-Series starts with the Econoline in 1961, conceived for commercial customers. It was available in three different bodystyles: the Pickp, Delivery Van and Station Bus.

In 1962 a new family member arrived. The Club Wagon was a family-friendly version of the Econoline designed for family transportation along with light towing.

As the series got more and more popular, they soon started being used by campers and other outdoor vacationers. They weren’t enough so Ford launched in 1965 the Econoline SuperVan, a vehicle 16 inches longer than any other van that offered room to spare for loads eight-and-a-half-feet long behind the engine compartment.

1969 marked the launch of the second-generation of the Ecoline vans. The model received new V8 engines and air conditioning. On the same year it was also joined by the Club Wagon series, which featured the revolutionary new twin I-beam front suspension.

With the popularity of vans hitting new heights, in 1975 Ford launched the third generation of Econoline. Featuring body-on-frame construction, higher gross vehicle weight ratings, an improved interior package and a wider selection of engines, the new van would be offered in the same basic configuration for the next 17 years.

In 1992 a fourth generation of Econonline vans and Club Wagons was released. After 17 years the E-series received a complete modernization. They were redesigned aerodynamically and stylistically to meet the needs of the ’90s, were fitted with airbags, the sheet metal was also new.

In 2001 the E-Traveler model was introduced, aiming at the increasingly crowded market of SUVs and passenger vans. This was also the year when the “Econoline” name was replaced by “E-Series” in company literature.

For 2008, Ford reintroduced the series as a strictly commercial vehicle. The brand enhanced its lineup to meet its emerging fleet customer needs. As a result cargo space was increased, thanks to chassis and suspension improvements the cars were handed a more solid ride. The new design on the front end was inspired on the Ford Super Duty to emphasize that this was a Built Ford Tough van.